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Volvo has announced that a new Compact Modular Architecture will underpin its next-generation '40' series cars. The just-unveiled 40.1 and 40.2 concepts – an SUV and a saloon respectively – offer a glimpse of how two members of the range might look.
According to Thomas Ingenlath, Volvo's Senior Vice President for Design, “They have an energy, a disruptive and engaging urban character that makes them stand out among the crowd.”

While the styling is intended to be eye-catching, some of the planned powertrains are more consequential.

As well as a pure electric version, Volvo is developing a Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. This combines a three-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.

Both variants should be important models for Volvo, given the brand's objective to sell one million electrified cars by 2025. They're due to arrive at dealers during 2017.